I will be walking on air today because now we have the funds to help with the Neighborhood concerts - without the support of folks like Rhenda Fearrington, Kim Tucker and Barbara Stange this NEVER would have happened. They pushed the cause like crazy. I LOVE pushy broads!

Thanks to ALL of the backers...as soon as the entire campaign ends on the 19th, Wendy and I will sort through all the backer pledges and get your stuff out right away!!!

One Person...Goal Met. In the wee small hours of the morning...like Santa Claus delivering presents, while nary a creature stirs...Cliche? Ha! Who cares? Jazz Bridge made their GOAL! How beautiful is that? xoxoxo to # 96! My grandmother would "play" that number :)

Mister Rogers sang it, now I'm singing it to YOU!!
"You've got to do it. Every little bit.
You've got to do it, do it, do it, do it and when you're through...
you will know who did it, cause you did it, you did it, YOU did it!!"

These last few years could have been more difficult than they were...I was unemployed and I didn't have the money on my own to support LIVE MUSIC. But I got a call from my mother's childhood friend who didn't want me to get depressed over my situation. So she paid for me to attend various Jazz Events in the City for 2 years so I could still get out and hear the music. What an unselfish act - her reasoning, I needed the music and sitting at home just wasn't doing it. I thank GOD for her and those closest to me because it was the best boost to my morale and kept me going.

We just never know where random acts are going to come from or who, but when they do, I am always mindful to pay it forward. The Jazz Bridge Community Concerts help musicians by giving them a gig and YOU help when you purchase a ticket. AND the bonus is you get to be up close and personal with the artist - no backstage pass necessary!

The Jazz Bridge Community Concerts are in 5 NEIGHBORHOODs for the low price of $10 per concert from October to May. Talented musicians from the Delaware Valley are up close and personal and you may even get your picture taken with them.

In order for Jazz Bridge to keep doing this, we NEED YOUR HELP! WE ARE A VOLUNTEER organization without deep pockets, whose patrons are generous enough throughout the year to give their support when they attend a show by paying for a ticket.

Don't be left out - HELP US HELP a musician - a fellow human. Tell your family and friends about our Kickstarter Campaign. Make a pledge to keep the music flowing in the Delaware Valley and the musicians working - it's how we pay it forward when we give them a gig - and now you can too!

August 28, 2012 ~ SISTA IN THE FRONT SAYS: "There's No Place Like Jazz, in Philadelphia." R. Fearrington. All Rights Reserved
by Rhenda Fearrington on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 12:05am ·

Day 9 Jazz Bridge ~ It's About The Family!

I was of the generation of kids that saw Neil Armstrong take the first step onto the Moon. I remember witnessing many "Firsts." When Mr. Armstrong died recently, President Obama said:

"...They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable – that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten."

What I remember most about that moment and countless other, "Firsts," was that my entire family was present to witness it with me. We weren't a "typical" or conventional family. My Grandmother as the Matriarch, Mother, Brother, Sister, Petie our dog, an extended family in what was a Boarding House, all sat together and witnessed those moments of "human achievement". And the children always felt free to "ask the questions,"why" ? Respectfully.

My generation witnessed many musical FIRSTS; from the Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show, to Elvis shakin' his "groove thang" from the waist up. The kids were allowed to stay up until 8 or 9pm and scream when Paul McCartney sang, "She Loves You-Yeah-yeah-yeah," while parents shook their heads because they thought his hair was too long!

Jazz Music is a result of "human achievement" in our culture. These days, the harsh "REALITY" of TV, doesn't beg to be shared with the kids. The Jazz Bridge Organization does so much to preserve the dignity of the Jazz Artists, when extending a hand of friendship during crisis; or providing a "living wage" when they are booked to perform, and Jazz Bridge is a Jazz Musician's extended family throughout the Greater Metro Philadelphia Area.

The Jazz Bridge Concert Series are designed to be brief performances that support the Family, with an early start-time of 7:30pm, snacks for those who want it, inexpensive ticket prices and even less so, for kids/students. You always leave with Free music from the raffle. The Q & A is an education that not only makes accomplished Artists accessible but , serves to humanize the experience of what someone goes through to realize the "vision of their youth". Bringing your children and SHARING these moments, can spark the imagination of any child...especially the next Generation.

Why don't you consider buying tickets for a School or Church group? They might be able to bring a youth group with parent supervision. It's a chance for today's kids to witness the triumphant spirit of Jazz and it's people who got it to this point and for the ones who continue to grow and sustain this genre steeped in History... but we need your help.